In chess, every move you make is a decision—a small reflection of how you process information, evaluate options, and manage risk. But here’s the twist: many players focus on what move to play, but not how to think before making it.

If you want to improve your chess, it’s not just about memorizing openings or calculating tactics—it's about developing a reliable thinking process. Here's how to do it:

1. Look at the Whole Board—Not Just Your Side

It’s easy to fall into the habit of only focusing on your plan. But before making a move, ask:
👉 What is my opponent trying to do?
Try to step into their shoes and anticipate threats or plans. Chess is not solitaire—it's a dialogue.

2. Don’t Just Move—Ask Questions

Before each move, train yourself to ask:

  • Is my king safe?

  • Are there any loose pieces (mine or theirs)?

  • What's the pawn structure telling me?

  • Can I improve a piece without creating a weakness?

This habit helps you slow down and evaluate the position logically, not emotionally.

3. Think in Plans, Not Just Moves

Strong players don’t think one move at a time. They think in mini-strategies—like “double rooks on the file,” “exchange off their strong bishop,” or “create a passed pawn.”
Even if your tactics aren't perfect yet, having a clear idea will guide your choices and make your play more purposeful.

4. Use the Process: Candidate Moves → Evaluate → Decide

One classic method to think better in chess is the "Candidate Move" process:

  1. Identify 2-3 reasonable moves.

  2. Calculate each one briefly.

  3. Evaluate the resulting positions.

  4. Choose the best option—not the first one that looks “ok.”

This system prevents impulsive moves and gives structure to your thinking.

5. Practice with Tools That Encourage Deep Thinking

Playing games is great—but analyzing them is where the real magic happens. Tools like the Chessnut Evo, for example, allow players to replay their games move by move, guided by human-like AI (MAIA) that explains not just the “what,” but the “why.”

Want to train your thinking further? Set up your board, turn off the engine, and try to analyze on your own first. Then compare your thoughts with Evo’s feedback. The goal isn't just better moves—it's a better mindset.

Thinking well in chess is like building a muscle. It starts slow, feels awkward, and sometimes leads to mistakes. But over time, you’ll learn to see patterns, trust your intuition, and play with confidence.

The board is waiting. Make your next move with thought, not haste.